Sweet Faces of Celiac Disease: Meet Liam

Liam is 4 yrs. old and was diagnosed with celiac disease at 3 yrs. old. 

What symptoms were you or your child having before being diagnosed?

Failure to thrive, diarrhea, abdominal pain, back pain, knee pain, easily bruising, poor appetite, frequently unexplained fevers.

Any other family members diagnosed with celiac disease?

No. But no one else has been tested. Our insurance rates went through the roof last year for Liam, so we were afraid for anyone else to be diagnosed. We've all chosen to go gluten free.

How has your life or your child's life changed since being diagnosed?

He's happy and healthy! He's gained 6 lbs in a year- which is a lot when you think he didn't gain anything the year prior to diagnosis. He's had no fevers, no diarrhea. We've been able to potty train.  He eats, plays and he lives life.

Being that 83% of those with celiac disease are UNDIAGNOSED, what are some ways we can encourage more awareness of the disease and its multiple symptoms?

I think there is a lack of assistance with physicians. We've hit wall after wall of physicians who didn't help.

Thank you for sharing Liam's story. I'm so happy to hear he is doing so much better and like you said, just "living life."